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5 fresh hair trends to try in 2018

Overdone the half-up bun? Us too. Time, then, for the next generation of hairstyles, fresh off the runway.

1. Half-straight, half-wavy

Why have one or the other when you can have both? One of the most current looks on the runway mixes the best of both worlds, with straight hair from the roots to the mid-lengths and wavy hair below. Keep in mind that this isn’t a look to do in a hurry. “It’s time-consuming to create because it’s two different shapes in one hairstyle,” says Danny Pato, creative director at Auckland’s D&M.

1. Wash your hair, then blow-dry with a paddle brush, adding Oribe Crème for Style, $62, for hold and shine.

2. Use straightening irons to smooth your hair section by section, ironing only from the roots to halfway down.

3. Working section by section, apply a spritz of Oribe Soft Lacquer Heat Styling Spray, $56, from the mid-lengths to the ends and set using a triple-barrel waver. Gently brush out the curls when cool.

4. To set the upper part of your style, apply Davines Medium Hold Modelling Gel, $44, from the roots to the mid-lengths.

2. Poker straight

Just when we’ve finally mastered making waves, straight hair slinks back into vogue. “The runway is opting for a modern and beautiful yet understated feel, so poker-straight hair is making a comeback in a big way,” says Redken NZ’s artistic director Mana Dave. “It’s elegant and simple.” And, luckily for us, easily done.

3. High pony

It’s an oldie but a goodie and taking centre stage. “It can be quite a severe look, but the high pony is sleek, strong and elegant, and has the added benefit of giving a mini-facelift,” says Danny. Although long hair is ideal for this look, he says you can make it work with other lengths too. “If you have a medium-length haircut like a lob, you
can always add a hairpiece.”

1. Determine the best position for your ponytail by following the line of your cheekbones up to your crown. Brush your hair back and gather at the pony point, smoothing as you go with Davines This is a Medium Hairspray, $44. Keep working with your brush to ensure your hair is sleek and kink-free, then secure with a hair tie.

2. Starting from the middle of the ponytail and working your way up, spritz with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $69, and gently brush up. Your aim is to create a little body, but not too much.

3. Spritz your head with extra hairspray to guard against flyaways, smoothing your strands with your hands or a small toothbrush.

4. Low-slung plait

When we saw this on the runway, we were interested, but when Ashley Olsen wore it to the Met Gala — tucked into the collar of her coat — we were hooked. Danny
says undone styles like this one are growing in popularity. “They’re soft, romantic and sexy, and have the added bonus of being relatively easy to achieve.” Given it’s so loose, lots of texturising spray will be your best friend when creating this look.

1. Start with day-two hair — if your locks are too clean, your style will flop. Wet hair and let it air-dry, scrunching as it dries, or use a dryer with a diffuser on low.

2. Spray your hair liberally from roots to ends with Davines This Is A Dry Texturizer, $45, scrunching it through as it dries.

3. Draw your hair into a low, loose ponytail, then braid the ends. Secure the bottom of the plait with another hair tie.

4. Finish with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray, $56.

5. Wet-look bun

We’ve seen this before too, but the latest effect is even more drenched — think ‘futuristic helmet head’ meets ‘day at the pool’. “This look is not for the faint of heart,” says Mana. “Make sure you’ve got ample time because it’s not quick — but it’s definitely high impact.”

1. Start with slightly damp hair; sopping locks will take an eternity to air-dry into shape.

2. This look requires a product with strong hold and high shine. The boys often have the best gels, so raid your partner’s grooming range, especially if he uses Redken For Men Stand Tough Extreme Gel, $33, which is perfect for the job. Work it through your hair from the roots to the ends.

3. Leave some hair free at the front, then smooth the remainder into a low ponytail and secure it at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail around itself until it becomes a bun, then fasten with bobby pins and allow to air-dry.

4. Styling the creative ‘fringe’ area is a matter of taking pieces of hair and strategically combing them into position, then holding them in place with a few clips or bobby pins. Air-dry or use a hairdryer with a diffuser attached to help dry the hair into shape.